Single-Point Munition Arming Interface Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-lever arming mechanism for munition canisters is cumbersome, inefficient, and impractical for hand-emplaced dispensers, posing safety risks and adding complexity, especially for soldiers under duress and in varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A single-point munition arming interface that includes a mounting bracket, electrical interface, retaining arm, arming lever, arming plate, locking lug, and lug spring, allowing for sequential and discrete arming with a common rotating lever, reducing complexity and enhancing safety by enabling efficient and safe arming of munition canisters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-lever arming mechanism is used for munition canisters, then the arming process can be completed with traditional vehicular dispensers, but the process becomes cumbersome, inefficient, and overly complex for hand-emplaced dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate levers into a single integrated arming lever. This single lever simultaneously performs the arming and locking functions that previously required two separate lever operations, thereby simplifying the arming process for hand-emplaced dispensers while maintaining the required safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single arming lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the arming mechanism and the locking mechanism. By integrating these functions into one component, the system achieves multi-functionality that reduces operational steps and mechanical complexity while ensuring safe arming procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional two-lever arming devices are used, then conventional vehicular dispenser requirements are met, but safety risks increase and the system becomes impractical for soldiers under duress
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the arming and locking functions into a single lever operation, the patent reduces the number of manual manipulation steps required. This simplification minimizes the opportunity for operator error under stressful conditions while maintaining the sequential safety functions required for reliable arming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential safety functions from the complex two-lever mechanism and consolidates them into a single lever system. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate steps that could lead to errors while preserving the critical safety sequences required for reliable munition arming.
3Device complexity
If existing two-lever solutions are implemented, then arming functionality is achieved, but extra components are required which add complexity to systems exposed to external environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mechanical components into a single integrated arming lever assembly. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that require assembly, maintenance, and exposure to environmental factors, thereby simplifying the system while improving its adaptability to harsh external conditions encountered in field operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The single-point munition arming interface simplifies the arming process, reduces complexity, and enhances operator safety by providing a safer and more efficient method for arming canister-based munitions, particularly suited for hand-emplaced systems like the SAVO baseplate, with reversible operation to ensure safety.
Implementation Method 1
The locking lug is positioned slidably on the center rod between the first arming plate arm and the second arming plate arm. The lug spring surrounds the center rod between the locking lug and the second arming plate arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-point munition arming interface provides a more efficient approach to arming a canister-based munition. The single-point munition arming interface interfaces with electrically-initiated canister-based munitions. The arming interface locks and arms munitions in a baseplate system before initiation. The single-point munition arming interface includes a feature for removing the first safety in the munitions safe and arm device which is actuated upon insertion of the munition into the interface. The second step in the procedure is a user action which simultaneously locks the munition to the interface and completes the arming sequence by using a single mechanism to achieve both essential motions. The arming interface can be mechanically or electrically actuated allowing for remote activation which increases operator safety.